The first day of the strike of 18 parties. Youth Dal worker killed in Faridpur

The Dhaka Times Desk Youth Dal workers were killed in Faridpur on the first day of the 60-hour hartal called by the BNP-led 18-party alliance.

Although the hartal started today, violence has spread across the country for the past two days. In different districts and upazilas of the country, there has been massive violence between the leaders and workers of 18 parties with the police. Various media reported that at least 8 people were killed yesterday.

Today even on the first day of the hartal, widespread violence has occurred in different parts of the country. Jubo Dal activist Maruf Hossain (38) was killed in a clash between BNP and police in Nagarkanda of Faridpur today. This incident happened around 8 am.

According to media sources, the leaders and workers of BNP and its affiliated organizations took out a rally in Nagarkanda this morning. At that time the police stopped the procession. They threw bricks at the police. Youth Dal activist Maruf died on the spot when the police opened fire in self-defence. At present the police are stationed in Chagaldi area. And all around BNP and its affiliates are taking positions. A major event can happen at any moment.

Meanwhile, sporadic bombings, chases, vandalism and arson occurred in various parts of the capital. Jamaat-e-Islami and student camps held jhatika processions at various places. At that time they retreated after being chased by the police. No untoward incident happened in front of BNP office. A large number of police are deployed there. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, stationed at the BNP office, told reporters that people are peacefully striking for a non-partisan government. In the context of the phone conversation, he said, the discussion and movement will continue. If there is a fruitful discussion then there will be no need for agitation.

On the other hand, the number of vehicles running in the capital is slightly less than the other day's hartal. But CNG, autos and rickshaws were plentiful. Minibuses were seen plying in some areas. No long distance bus left. The Gabtali bus terminal was eerily quiet. But the train left from Kamalapur. Early morning picketing took place at several places in the capital.